If you’ve read previous posts of mine, you’ll know I’m a fan of picture books that make me say, “Awww.” Somehow, some way, they have to touch my heart and remind me of an emotion I thought I’d forgotten. There are lots of ways picture books can do this. And …
One of my favorite books of 2014 is Froodle, by Antoinette Portis. Delightful wordplay is the star here, and I’m not sure who would have more fun with it – the kiddos listening or the adult reading/performing it aloud. …
Hi, everybody. Instead of a post today, we’d like to direct you to the TeachingBooks Blog. During the month of October, they’re giving away a BUNCH ‘o books for kids of all ages, and we wanted to make you aware. Here’s a partial list to give you an idea of …
Three years ago, my Sterling editor, Meredith Mundy, asked me to rewrite the holiday song Over the River and Through the Wood with “plenty of chaos and wackiness” as family members travel to Grandma’s house using various modes of transportation. We agreed that the characters should be a reflection of most …
In a previous post I shared about books with personal stories that are told in universally appealing ways, and I recently noticed that one of my favorites of recent years also has this quality in spades. Grandpa Green, by Lane Smith, is a visually and emotionally beautiful book – the story of …
You know you’ve found a real jewel when you read a rhyming picture book that sings and hums. And Cock-a-Doodle Oops!, written by Lori Degman, is a rhyming book that hums just right!
In just a few days, ROAR!, my book with Liz Starin, releases. To celebrate, I wanted to share the trailer as well as some scoop on how the trailer came to be. The Trailer: ROAR!‘s trailer includes cameo appearances from some of today’s fiercest authors and illustrators. You’ve been warned. Please view responsibly. …
Charlesbridge Publishing contacted me in June, of 2013 to ask if I would illustrate a non-fiction picture book written by our very own, spectacular, Suzanne Slade. The book is titled, THE INVENTOR’S SECRET, WHAT THOMAS EDISON TOLD HENRY FORD. In this 48 page non-fiction picture book, Suzanne shares the story of Thomas Edison’s successes and Henry …
One of my favorite things is learning which illustrator will create art for the stories I write. And, I was especially excited when I learned Jill McElmurry, the author and/or illustrator of more than 20 books, would bring SHARING THE BREAD: AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING STORY to life. I’d seen her …
I’m choosing to talk about John, Paul, George & Ben today – what I suppose has to be classified as an oldie, but goodie, since it was published in 2006 – only because I keep running into newish writers who aren’t familiar with it. In my opinion, every writer (and …